Lexington is Kentucky's 'digital capital,' Google says

Google has named Lexington the strongest online business community in Kentucky.

The search-engine giant released a list of its 2013 eCities of America on Thursday, naming a top city in each state where "businesses are using the Web to find new customers, connect with existing customers and fuel their local economies."

In its commendation, Google wrote, "The businesses in Lexington, Kentucky's second-largest city, are digitally savvy and represent the community across the Web to locals, students and racehorse fans alike. This Thoroughbred city sets the pace for the state."

Top cities in other states include some usual suspects — New York; Austin, Texas; Atlanta — but also lesser-known towns, including Solon, Ohio; Hendersonville, Tenn.; and Cary, N.C.

In a statement on Google's official blog, Scott Levitan, the company's director of small business engagement, wrote, "Given the importance of the Web in growing our local businesses and our local economies, we worked with independent research firm IPSOS to analyze the online strength of local businesses in cities and towns across America."

In explaining its methodology, Google said it used its AdWords advertising data to calculate the top five cities in each state relative to population. Then IPSOS randomly selected 51 small- and medium-size businesses to grade them on their online presence.

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